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Chris Neil has recorded two Gordie Howe hattricks in his career, one in 2001 and another in 2010.

He almost had his third - and then his first three-goal hattrick - Saturday night at the Air Canada Centre.

Speaking Sunday morning after the Senators had a workout and a yoga class in their hotel gym, Neil said he turned down a request from Leafs tough-guy Colton Orr to fight on the very first shift of Saturday's game.

"I thought about it," he said. "It could have happened. It was just one of those things that if you get out and he's playing more through the game, it's an opportunity. For me going out and playing anywhere from 10-15 minutes, it's not the best trade off for us.

"I've got to do it when it's right for our team, not myself."

Neil went on to tie a career highs for goals (two) and points (three) in a game. All he was missing for the Gordie Howe was the fight that never did materialize.

However, he would have been more pleased scoring his first three-goal hat trick, especially if it helped the Senators to a win.

"I almost had it," said Neil. "I hit the goalie in the shoulder and the puck was rolling a bit. I didn't get a lot on it. I went backhand, tried to go up over him. I think that was a great opportunity.

I came to the bench and I was a little upset it didn't go in. That's the way it goes."

Neil wasn't even sure the puck crossed the line for what turned out to be his second goal. Nobody was, at first. It wasn't until during a TV break that replays revealed he had knocked the puck over the line from a goal crease scramble.

"I knew it had a chance," said Neil. "After I shot it I poked at (goalie Jonathan Bernier), to kind of shove him back in. and then I got knocked down, so I couldn't see. I asked the ref to check it. He's like, 'yeah we'll check it." So I knew it had a chance."

MARC'S METHOTS

What better way for Marc Methot to show the decision makers he deserved to be on the Olympic team than to shut down Team Canada captain Sidney Crosby at the Consol Energy Center, right? Except Methot doesn't look at it that way.

"I respect the team they picked," said Methot, who started his NHL season as a longshot to be on the Olympic squad. "I'm competitive and I wanted to make that team, but making an example of Sidney has nothing to do with regards to Team Canada.

"My job is to shut him down simply to win the game, as an Ottawa Senator. That's all I care about."

Methot, the former blue line partner of Erik Karlsson, has thrived of late in a shutdown tandem with Eric Gryba.

"The last game I know Grybs and I did a pretty decent job on (the Penguins)," said Methot. "At the same time, that's one game, and Sid is one of the best players in the world. He can make you look pretty stupid if you're not focused. Even when you are focused, he can still take advantage of you.

"I have a tremendous amount of respect for him and how he prepares for games. I've got to make sure I'm ready."

Methot said he and Gryba have already developed some chemistry, although the latter made a mistake in an attempt to hit the former with a pass on what turned out to be Toronto's fourth goal Saturday night.

"I think he's been playing great and I love playing with him," Methot said of Gryba. "I find we're very similar, in terms of having that defensive mindset. When you're shutting down a line, it's good to know that. I like playing with him. He's smart, he's big, he can move, he's been a treat to play with so far."

THIS AND THAT

Colin Greening stopped his goal-scoring slump, with the help of a smooth pass from Neil, at 10 games when he notched his fifth of the season in the second period Saturday night. "It was nice," he said of finally bulging the twine again. "I've been trying to produce more offensively, so I'll give credit to Chris there. He made a great pass. I was just happy I was able to bury it in. I was happy from that standpoint. It's just unfortunate the game result didn't follow." ... Greening also had an assist Saturday, giving him 14 points on the season. If he was producing at a higher rate, Murray might not be desperately searching for an offensive winger. "I don't take it as personal at all," said Greening. "If that's the type of player he wants, it can only add to our team." ... Players were happy to have a day away from the rink, and a chance to watch the Super Bowl together Sunday. "It'll be nice to just be around the guys and watch some TV, it's a huge event, we're all huge football fans," said Methot. "Any time there's a big sport event and you can get the team together it's usually fun. We're right back at it tomorrow and we're playing a helluva hockey team."

Chris Neil has recorded two Gordie Howe hattricks in his career, one in 2001 and another in 2010.

He almost had his third - and then his first three-goal hattrick - Saturday night at the Air Canada Centre.

Speaking Sunday morning after the Senators had a workout and a yoga class in their hotel gym, Neil said he turned down a request from Leafs tough-guy Colton Orr to fight on the very first shift of Saturday's game.